Patterns by Figgy's is a hometown favourite here at Bolt. Co-owner and designer, Shelly Figueroa is local sewist and popular teacher at MD. Along with Karen LePage, she designs wearable clothes for kids that are straight-forward to sew and come in a wide range of sizes.

I was especially happy to try out the raw-edged raglan Tee for Two pattern, considering my eldest child refuses to wear anything other than soft jersey knit. He's a slim fit kind of kid, and this is a slim fit kind of pattern.

Sam tried it on without the neckband and the seams on the outside first. He was done standing for pictures after I had attached the neckband.

The pattern (four pieces in total) came together handily. This is a fast project. I opted for the seaming on the inside, and I used my serger and a narrow hem to create the seams. The only reason I used my serger is that I need the practice-- the truth is, this pattern can be just as easily be put together using a regular sewing machine.

This is a well written pattern that is versatile for both boys and girls (the pattern includes pieces for a swingy dress/tunic version) and there are several seaming options to create all kinds of different looks. More importantly though, it is an easy place to get started sewing with knit fabric. It runs on the small end-- I buy 5-6 clothing for Sam and I sewed him the 6-7 size. Happily, this pattern comes in two versions: baby-7 and 7-14. Hallelujah! You can sew cute clothes for your tweens, Mamas. Bolt carries a wide assortment of beautiful, soft, knits for all the kids in your life (with even more arriving in the next few weeks) Check out Figgy's blog for cute tutorials and pattern updates. Shelly is teaching (among other things!) a Tee for Two class on October 20th at MD-- check their website for details!

Such an interesting combination of goodies have arrived in the last couple of days. Pictured are the latest addition to our precut bundle selection. These are gorgeous silk/cotton blend half yard cuts from Robert Kaufman. Perfect for piecework, home dec projects....or? Stay tuned for more of those lovelies. Also in this week are cool new closures: nickel plated belt buckles (real belt buckles, just add eyelets to your fabric and you've got yourself a belt!), different colored parachute clips, nickle plated parachute clips and jingle bells. Yep, jingle bells. Our ever-popular sock monkey kits have expanded to include stuffing and other necessary items for the completed project, all contained in one fine, gift-ready box.

New fabric on the bolt too--a few more pieces from Remix and some of Moda's Dream On line from Urban Chiks. We are full, full, full right now. Remember every day (thru Oct 21st) your purchase is $50 or more, you'll receive a 20% off coupon from us for a future purchase, good through next September! And, of course, our big ol' sale is right around the corner, October 22nd through October 24th. Great time to pick up all sorts of deals including some give aways from Modern Domestic. Speaking of Modern Domestic, they have a slew of new classes up! Check out their schedule here.

I am a big fan of Lecien, the Japanese manufacturer of beautiful quilt and apparel weight prints. The top photo shows off some of the new medium weight blend (cotton/linen) prints and the bottom is a sampling of some of the new quilt weight cottons from Hokkoh. The medium weight prints would sew up beautifully into a new autumn skirt or a lighweight coat. And since I can't stop thinking about that book, the quilt weight cotton is especially appealing to me right now-- especially the tiny florals. There's more from Lecien in the store, but you'll have to come in and check it out.

*Colette's hot-of-the-presses wrap dress, Crepe, pattern is here and it's beautiful. This pattern is especially geared to the beginner apparel sewists among us. They are running a part 2 of their extremely informative "Before You Sew" blog series this month as well. Check out previous posts on sewing with silk and prewashing-- I'm looking forward to some more pattern cutting tips.

*Betz White, queen repurposer and author, has come out with a line of "Make New or Make Do" patterns. Are you seeing the tree stump-turned-pin cushion?! Cute. Check the pattern bins for more.